The Fools’ Plate of Ambras Castle

Ambras Castle near Innsbruck hosts a true rarity: a large wooden ornamental plate from 1528, painted all over with scenes of fools. The visual program of this valuable curiosity seems to look like a chaotic jumble at first glance, yet a closer look reveals it to be a fascinating document on the late medieval idea of the jester and on the urban carnival of the early 16th century, thought out down to the last detail. The extensive knowledge of both the artists and their employers and the high standards with which wealthy townspeople staged their carnival customs and festivities at that time still amazes us today. The following film unravels the plate step by step and gradually reveals its secrets. The fact that the plate is even connected to an aristocratic love story makes the object particularly appealing. Take some time and immerse yourself in the carnival-like world of ideas of an important imperial city 500 years ago.